Pubdate: Wed, 22 Feb 2006
Source: Jasper Booster (CN AB)
Copyright: 2006 The Jasper Booster
Contact:  http://www.jasperbooster.com/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/788
Bookmark: http://www.mapinc.org/dare.htm (D.A.R.E.)

DARE GRADUATION APPROACHING

Another class of Grade 6 students is near the end of a learning 
process highlighting the consequences of drug, alcohol and tobacco use.

The DARE (Drug Abuse Resistance Education) is used in the Jasper 
Elementary School each year and has been run the past five years by 
Const. Stephanie Lutes of the Jasper RCMP.

She visits the school for 10 one-hour class sessions to talk to 
students about issues like drug and alcohol abuse and the dangers of 
smoking. She also relates those issues to social factors like peer 
pressure, self-esteem, media influences, smart and informed choices, 
and ways to handle the pressures.

Lutes said the program has a number of goals including:

* covering topics with the kids that may not be areas of discussion 
at home with parents, or perhaps making it easier for parents and 
kids to start talking about the issues that they will inevitably face 
as they enter junior and senior high school.

* giving the kids the facts about things - separating the myths from the truths

* exposing the students to a police officer both in uniform and in 
civilian clothing "I'm hopefully showing them that the police are 
there to help and can be approached and trusted," she said. For some 
of the classes...I attend in civilian clothing - this is a good way 
for the students to see that police officers are 'regular people.'"

* allowing the students a time in which they can ask questions and 
get answers about those things that they are curious about.

This year, 58 Grade 6 students took part in the program, which is 
wrapping up in early March. Earlier, the kids wrote an essay about 
what they learned in DARE, what the program means to them or how they 
plan to stay drug-free.

At the end of the program, students will perform skits, which 
together with their workbooks and class participation, will be 
factored together for a student to be eligible for DARE graduation 
(which takes place on March 8).

The program is a win-win situation for all those involved, according to Lutes.

"There is always great support from parents, the schools and 
teachers, and the students enjoy the program." .
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MAP posted-by: Jay Bergstrom